Edward F. McCarthy, M.D., will become the fifth Chair of the Shriver Hall Concert Series (SHCS) Board of Directors on September 1, 2017, succeeding  Geoffrey L. Greif, Ph.D.  A passionate advocate for classical music in Baltimore, Dr. McCarthy served on the Board of Directors for six years, the last four as Vice Chair. “Shriver Hall Concert Series offers musical performances of outstanding artistry,” he says.  “I’m committed to continuing this high quality.”

Professor of Pathology and Orthopaedic Surgery at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, specializing in the diagnosis of bone and joint disorders, Dr. McCarthy is also a serious amateur cellist, frequently playing in chamber music ensembles.  He has given solo recitals and is a regular participant in the annual Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Academy.  Combining his love for music with his medical interests, Dr. McCarthy often lectures about the relationship of music and medicine.

In addition to electing Dr. McCarthy as Chair, the Board also elected Julie Schwait as Vice Chair, Ian Heavers as Treasurer, and Ellen Blaustein as Secretary.  Mrs. Schwait is retired from The Park School; Mr. Heavers is Vice President of Strategy at T. Rowe Price; and Mrs. Blaustein is retired from Black & Decker and the Goucher Management Institute. All appointments are effective September 1, 2017.

Dr. Greif was elected Chair in 2013 and, in his leadership, oversaw SHCS’ 50th anniversary celebrations, the appointment of Catherine Cochran as executive director, a 25% growth of the endowment to $1.48 million, and expansion of education activities to include Junior Board positions, a Student Internship, and a Student Ticket of $10. Dr. Greif remains on the Board of Directors.  Speaking of his successor, Dr. Greif says, "Ed has the wonderful gifts of warmth, humor, and wisdom, coupled with an extensive knowledge of music.  He plays a pretty fair cello, too!"

About Dr. Edward F. McCarthy

Edward F. McCarthy grew up in Cleveland, OH, where he began studying cello in fourth grade.  He received his undergraduate education at Columbia University and his Doctor of Medicine at the University of Chicago. He continued his training in orthopaedic surgery and pathology at the University of Iowa. Arriving in Baltimore 40 years ago, he planned to stay one year—long enough to complete a fellowship in bone pathology.  At the completion of that year he decided to settle in Baltimore permanently.  During his 40-year tenure at Johns Hopkins, Dr. McCarthy spent 15 years directing the Pathology Department’s residency program and has served as director of the medical school’s pathology curriculum. Dr. McCarthy is married to Dr. Lucille McCarthy, a Professor of English at UMBC. They have two children and four grandchildren.

Read More >>

Dear Friend,

Shriver Hall Concert Series’ 2016-17 season was a marvelous success, concluding earlier this month with a dazzling recital by pianist Daniil Trifonov. With stellar performances by leading musicians, SHCS stayed true to its cherished mission of bringing outstanding solo and chamber music to Baltimore, serving over 10,000 people, providing over $30,000 in ticket subsidies to students and school groups, and serving audiences throughout the region with our free Discovery Series. Thank you for making such an exceptional season possible.

With our fiscal year ending June 30, we ask for your support in making these concert experiences possible for the Baltimore community. As a nonprofit organization, ticket prices account for only 1/3 of SHCS’ operating costs. To offset rising expenses while maintaining our commitment to high-level artistry and low ticket prices, we count on your generosity.

Please consider a tax-deductible contribution before the end of the month to ensure the future success of our beloved series.

We thank you for your support of SHCS and wish you a wonderful summer. We hope to see you and share more incredible music with you in the fall! 

With warmest wishes,

Catherine Cochran

Read More >>

As a member of the Shriver Hall Concert Series community, we want you to be among the first to know some exciting news.

Read More >>

The Washington Classical Review gives its take on the Jonathan Biss and Brentano String Quartet performance at Shriver Hall this past Sunday.

"Throughout all four fugues, they achieved consistent balance that allowed each voice to have clarity without the texture ever becoming crowded," writes JT Hassell of the Quartet's interpretation of Bach's Art of the Fugue. Also featured on the program was Kurtág's Játékok, which "showed Biss at his very best."

Click HERE to read the full review!

Read More >>

Pianist Jonathan Biss has been busy touring his "Late Style" project that focuses on pieces written by composers near the end of their lives, an exploration that has  generated a lot of interest and excitement.

"The question of 'late style' has long been of interest to writers and philosophers, from Adorno to Said. What effect do years of accumulated knowledge and experience, combined with, perhaps, the realization that death is near, have on artistic creation?” asks Biss.

In an innovative concert with the Brentano String Quartet, Biss performs two late works — selections from Kurtág’s Játékok, Volume VII and Beethoven’s final Piano Sonata, No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111.

CLICK HERE to sign up for Jonathan’s “Late Style” Coursera meet-up in Baltimore on Feb 25. (Learn more about Jonathan’s Coursera class HERE).

CLICK HERE to read a recent article from The Economist on “Late Style” and Jonathan’s project.

CLICK HERE to listen to Jonathan discuss the music of Beethoven in an interview with BBC Radio 3.

CLICK HERE to read about Jonathan's "Late Style" project in The Guardian.

Read More >>